Sam Themis

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Respondent, sole equity member and COLP/COFA/MLRO of ST Solicitors LLP, was found to have failed to protect Client C's money (recklessly), caused an unallocated £5,000 client-to-office transfer found to be dishonest (allegation 1.2(a)), failed to close the firm in an orderly manner, failed to maintain proper books of account, and failed to cooperate with the SRA's forensic investigation. He did not engage with proceedings and the hearing proceeded in his absence. The £34,500 transfer allegation (1.2(b)) was not proved. The Tribunal found high culpability, dishonesty, and no exceptional circumstances. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £23,378.99.

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Act in the client's best interests
• Cooperate openly with regulators
• Integrity
• No improper use of client money
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Not misrepresent regulated status
• Overriding duty to the court
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Proven dishonesty
• Misconduct deliberate, calculated and repeated
• Conduct carried out over a protracted period
• Blamed others (former salaried partners) for his own misconduct
• Excluded accountants and salaried partners from financial processes
• No insight into misconduct
• Experienced solicitor in complete control of the firm
• Harm caused to clients and loss to the Compensation Fund

Mitigating factors:

• No previous appearance before the Tribunal / previous good character